U.S. obesity rates rising again

(HealthDay)—After briefly leveling off, the U.S. obesity rate may be climbing again, according to a preliminary study.

The rate had been rising for decades until it appeared to plateau in recent years. But, in the new study, researchers found that the trend may have been short-lived.

And if nothing changes, they estimate that half of all U.S. teenagers will be overweight or obese by 2030—as will one-third of kids between 6 and 11 years old.

Among U.S. men, for example, the rising rates of overweight and obesity seen since 1999 leveled off between 2009 and 2012. But they took off again in 2015-2016, when 75 percent of men were overweight or obese.

It’s not clear that the numbers represent a true reversal, according to the researchers, led by Dr. Youfa Wang, a professor at Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind.

The findings are based on a relatively small number of Americans, Wang said. Plus, he noted, the patterns would have to be followed over a longer period to know whether they are lasting trends or short-term spikes.

But it seems clear the national obesity problem is not going away, according to the researchers.

“It is unlikely that obesity and related health problems in the U.S. will become less serious in the future,” Wang said. “We need to continue and enhance our efforts in fighting the obesity epidemic.”

Wang was scheduled to present the findings Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, in Boston. Research presented at meetings is generally considered preliminary until it is published in a peer-reviewed journal.

For the study, Wang’s team analyzed data from two ongoing federal health surveys. The investigators found that, not surprisingly, the overall prevalence of obesity rose between 1999 and 2016. But the patterns differed depending on sex, race and other factors.

Among women, the obesity rate climbed without interruption—reaching 41.5 percent by 2016. At that point, 69 percent of U.S. women were either overweight or obese.

Among men, there was a plateau between 2009 and 2012—when one-third were obese, and just under 72 percent were at least overweight. The increase resumed by 2015-2016, however: 38 percent of men were obese at that point.

The patterns among kids differed by sex, too, the study found. Since around 2011, the obesity rate among boys has risen steadily—reaching almost 21 percent by 2016. More than 7 percent of boys were severely obese.

On the other hand, the obesity rate among girls held steady, at just over 18 percent, according to Wang.

The researchers project that by 2030, about half of U.S. teenagers will be overweight or obese.

They also estimate that will be true of most Mexican-Americans: In 2015-2016, roughly half of Mexican-American adults were obese.

Rates among other racial and ethnic groups ranged from 32 percent to 38 percent among men, and about 36 percent to 55 percent among women.

Joy Dubost is a registered dietitian and member of the American Society for Nutrition. She said it’s hard to know whether the current findings mean that any gains made in the obesity problem have been lost.

But she agreed that widespread efforts to combat obesity are necessary.

For individuals, Dubost said, one of the keys is to break the “fad diet” mentality, and make lifestyle changes that can be kept up for the long haul.

“Focus on eating a more plant-based diet,” she advised. “That doesn’t mean you have to become a vegetarian. Just eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts and seeds.”

As for helping kids maintain a healthy weight, parents set the example, according to Dubost. Having kids help with shopping and preparing meals—from an early age—can help them learn about a healthful diet, she said.

When it comes to broader efforts, Wang said studies have shown some bright spots. In a research review, his team found “moderate” evidence that school programs focused on diet and exercise can be helpful.

But since obesity is so prevalent, Wang said efforts are needed at every level—from schools to workplaces to local communities and beyond.

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